Trump: Hostages Will Be Freed 'When Hamas Is Confronted and Destroyed'

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4 days ago

Above: Palestinians in a tent camp in Gaza City, Gaza on Aug. 14, 2025. Image copyright: Mahmoud Issa/Anadolu/Getty Images

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Occupying all of Gaza will only endanger the hostages and ensure that Israel loses even more international support. Furthermore, Israel's aid distribution plans have already proved to be ineffective and problematic. Allowing in a token amount of aid will not significantly improve the humanitarian situation. Indeed, both sides need to make concessions so that the ceasefire can be fully implemented and the hostages are returned.

The New York Times Times of Israel

Pro-Israel narrative

Though Trump and Netanyahu want a deal that leads to the return of the hostages, the ball is ultimately in Hamas' court. The terror group's unrealistic demands have consistently stalled negotiations and imperiled the lives of millions of Palestinians. Israel never wanted this war, and it's up to Hamas to decide when it will end.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

Netanyahu's plan to reoccupy Gaza, if legitimate, only serves to buy time and further destroy Palestinian life in the Gaza Strip. After almost two years of starvation and destruction, Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza has failed to destroy Hamas, and there's little reason to believe that conquering the entire strip will lead to that outcome. It should also be noted that, regardless of what Trump tells the media, the United States has fully supported Israel's genocide.

Al Jazeera Middle East Eye